other things in addition to these, which have not occurred to me. If my opinions and suggestions are of any value to you, they might be made more complete and satisfactory; if you would indicate the particular points on which you desire them, I shall be gladly at your service. I intended to add something on the Cabinet question, but may do that hereafter, if agreeable to you. This letter has already grown much longer, and perhaps more tedious, than I meant it to be. It would have been shorter were it less hastily written.
FROM RUTHERFORD B. HAYES
Columbus, O., Jan. 29, 1877.
I have yours of the 25th and assure you that I am very much gratified by it. After twice reading I think I can vote aye to every idea in it. Let me hastily add two or three suggestions. To bring the South to a better condition I feel like saying that the Nation will aid the people of that section, first, to the means of education, and, secondly, to internal improvements of a National character.
Again may I not properly propose an amendment to the Constitution making the Presidential term six years, and no reëlection?
Of course I see the great uncertainty about the result of the contest. But I prefer to be ready as far as may be. If my paper is not used the loss will not be great. I want also to be ready to make a Cabinet—remaining to the last free to choose as may at the time seem advisable. On the whole business I shall be glad to hear from you.
TO RUTHERFORD B. HAYES
St. Louis, Jan. 30, 1877.
I respond to your kind invitation to write about Cabinet appointments with a good deal of diffidence, for, in spite